The Overcomer 

By Rabbi Rob Miller

member UONYC

“…the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12)"

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)”

“For whatever is born of Yahweh overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Rebbe YahShua is the Son of Yahweh? (1 John 5:4,5)”

33-year-old Kim Sun-il was more than just an employee of South Korea's Gana General Trading Co.  He was more than just the beheaded hostage of “Jamaat al-Tawhid wal Jihad” (Unity and Holy War), which is headed by Jordanian Al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.  Kim Sun-il was a Covenant Keeper!

                Daniel Pearl and Nick Berg were Covenant keeping Jews.  They both were wearing Talit Katans (small Talits), which is a sign of Covenant.  Because they were Jews was the motive given by their abductors as reason for their beheading.  Al-Qaeda hates Covenant keeping Israel!

Handsome young Kim Sun-il was committed to “publish peace and bring the Full Messianic Message of good in the world (Isaiah 52:7)” was brutally executed by Islamists. His fault, he was an evangelical Believer in King Messiah YahShua. According to Kim’s family, the young man wanted to be a missionary in the Arab world.  Kim studied Arabic in order to become a missionary in the Middle East. Born in Pusan, in the southwest of Korea, where he lives with his family, Kim graduated in Theology at a local seminary and in Arabic at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. According to his parents he was soon going to be ordained and then go on a mission. He had gone to Baghdad to work as a translator for the Gana General Trading Company, a Korean company that supplies food and uniforms to the U.S. Army hoping to save enough money to fulfill his dream of becoming a missionary in the Middle East.  He had lived in Fallujah for a year making many Iraqi friends and converts.  He was an Overcomer!

 “…I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him (Yahweh) who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! (Luke 12:4,5)”

"To live is Messiah, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).

“Ye are of Yahweh, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.. (1 John 4:4)”

“There remains therefore a Sabbath for the people of Yahweh. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as Yahweh did from His. (Hebrews 4:9,10)”

Yahweh knows that as long as we fear death, we cannot be free to live for Him.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of Yahweh, these are the sons of Yahweh…the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Yahweh, and if children, then heirs of Yahweh and joint heirs with Messiah…that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17)"

               
Yahweh is creating Overcomers from his own spiritual children!  “Overcome”, according to Webster’s New World Dictionary means, “ to master, prevail over, surmount… or to win.”   An “overcomer” then, would be that person who has met or engaged the foe, the enemy …and prevailed. The word “overcomer” means “to conquer, or to carry off the victory.”

"We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1John 3:2)."

“…we know that all things work together for good to those who love Yahweh, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28-29)”

This is not just talk Yahweh is working His will and way in us.  Yahweh is Abba, the perfect parent! He wants the best for all of His children and wants to spend a lifetime with us. Messiah's work of sacrifice is sufficient for all mankind but His work in us is not finished.  “…he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)”  Messiah repeatedly warns us in the Book of the Revelation to overcome? Messiah says,

" . . . to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life…He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death (eternal death)…He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life…." (Rev. 2:7, 11, 26, Rev. 3:5)

Overcoming is important to our salvation.  Yahweh gives us all the help we could ever need to succeed at overcoming.

Indwelling Presence
"But they that wait upon Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31)."
 
There is a "mystery" regarding the process of salvation and overcoming sin through Messiah YahShua.  We can understand this mystery, we can be a successful Overcomer.

"The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His Tzadikkim (saints). To them Yahweh willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1: 26-27)"

The "mystery" is that Yahweh is the One who gives us the strength to overcome! We need to understand that by Messiah dwelling in us through Yahweh's Holy Spirit, He gives us the sufficient strength and power to overcome. He helps us and makes it possible for us to be successful Overcomers and to receive the glory of salvation, which is the entry into Yahweh's Kingdom and the family of Elohim forever.

"But Yahweh demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him (Romans 5:8-9)."
 

The Apostle Rabbi Sha’ul describes this daily battle of overcoming sin.

  “…we know that the Torah is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the Torah that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.  For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.  Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.  I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the Torah of Yahweh according to the inward man.  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:14-24)”

Rabbi Sha’ul has told us that the "wages of sin is death" (Rom 6:33) this is why we must be concerned about overcoming.  Overcoming requires Teshuvah, the turning away from the sin that ensnares us (Rom. 2:4). The only way to win this battle is to have an unconditional surrender to King Messiah YahShua. Although Rabbi Sha’ul says we may sin daily, he is not talking about going out daily and being committed to the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:18-21). Rabbi Sha’ul is talking about the condition of our passions, and how our thoughts are not completely pure (Jer. 17: 9). In this physical life, we still battle daily against thoughts, passions, and lust. As we overcome, our sinful thoughts and sinful acts should become fewer and farther between because we will grow in Messiah's righteousness and He will give us the strength to overcome. Rabbi Sha’ul knew the "mystery" of the power of Messiah’s indwelling presence. The Apostle Rabbi Sha’ul is talking about Messiah delivering us from being a slave of sin! This is the true meaning of overcoming! Rabbi Sha’ul understood that Messiah is "the beginning and finisher" of our salvation (Rev. 1:5).

"But put ye on King Messiah YahShua, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14)."

“Put on the whole armor of Yahweh, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of Yahweh, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Full Messianic Message of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Yahweh: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Eph. 6:10-18).

This should teach us that there is a necessity for every one of us to be filled from within and without by the Spirit of Yahweh.  It is not sufficient just to have a little touch.   There is only one thing that will meet the needs of the Endtime—to be totally immersed in the life of Yahweh.
 
Keep the Faith
“…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the Tzadikkim (saints). (Jude 1:3)”
"No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of Yahweh. (Luke 9:62)"

Messiah says that the person who does not keep the faith is not fit for the Kingdom of Yahweh. When our Messiah (John 6:44), brings one to the Heavenly Father, who is the Master Potter (Isa. 64:8), the person who is called is warned to "count the cost" (Luke 14:26-33) and make a full commitment as Yahweh's holy, righteous, spiritual child to go all the way to become an Overcomer.
               

"For the gifts and the calling of Yahweh  are irrevocable. (Rom 11:29)"

“…you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Yahweh through Messiah YahShua…But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:5,9)”

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Yahweh, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Yahweh, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Yahweh. (Romans 12:1-2)”

"I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me (Phillip. 4:13)."

"Messiah in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26-27)."

We [the Overcomer] must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of Yahweh," (Acts 14:22). However, "everlasting joy" (Isa. 61:7) and "great peace" (Psa. 37:11) will be ours.

“Dr. Felix Ruh, the co-worker of Louis Pasteur, had a granddaughter that died of diphtheria. Vowing to determine what had robbed him of his granddaughter, he locked himself in a laboratory to prove what used to be called the “germ theory”. In a secure vault, Dr. Ruh grew a culture of black diphtheria that was large enough to kill the nation of France. Dr. Ruh ordered 20 horses to be brought to him in his forest laboratory and he proceeded to infect these 20 healthy horses with the disease by wiping the culture on their eyes, noses, mouths and tongues. Every horse developed a severe fever and died within a few days…except one.

For several more days, this horse lingered on with a fever, lying for most portions of the day on its side. Dr. Ruh and Louis Pasteur waited patiently to observe the outcome of this lone horse. They instructed an apprentice to record the temperature of the sick horse and report back when there was any change. After several days, the temperature changed a half a degree. The apprentice immediately awakened Dr. Ruh and brought him to see the horse. By the next night, the severe fever had completely left the horse.

Immediately, Dr. Ruh struck a blow to the forehead of the horse with a sledgehammer and killed him. The scientists then drew blood from veins of the horse that had been infected with the black diphtheria disease - and had overcome it. They rushed to the municipal hospital in Paris. There they forcibly entered the hospital and began injecting over three hundred babies who had also been infected with the disease with the blood of the horse who had overcome. All but three of these babies recovered completely. The people of Paris were saved through the blood of one who had overcome. (“The Blood of the Overcomer” edited from “Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks” by Wayne Rice)”

“Rebbe YahShua said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).’"
 
Having the spiritual knowledge and faith that Messiah will help us in everything is the essence of being a successful Overcomer!

“…when [Messiah] had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.
Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Rebbe YahShua went to them, walking on the sea. And when the Talmidim (disciples) saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Rebbe YahShua spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Rabbi Kepha answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Rabbi Kepha had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Rebbe YahShua. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Adon HoShannu! (Lord, save me!)" And immediately Rebbe YahShua stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 14:23-32)”

None of us will obtain complete perfection in this life. The Apostle Rabbi Sha’ul explains this in Philippians 3:12,  "Not that I have already obtained, or am already perfected; but I press on…"

Our motivation for overcoming is love.  Yahweh said, "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;  I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)"
“Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah (express image of Yahweh) ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:35,37)”

We show our love for Yahweh by obeying Torah, (John. 14:15,23,24) -- the chief act of obedience being "believing in" His only begotten Son, King Messiah YahShua the living Torah, (John. 6:28,29), which includes TURNING FROM SIN (Acts 16:31; 20:21).

“I have remembered Thy Name, O Yahweh, in the night, and have kept Thy Torah. (Psalm 119:55)”

“For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of Yahweh overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Rebbe YahShua is the Son of Yahweh? (1 John 5:3-5)”

In Psalms 37:9, we learn that "those who hope in Yahweh will inherit the land." In verse 29 of the same Psalm, we are told "the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever."

What did Yahweh say the Overcomer would inherit in Revlation 21:1-7, 11 when we set our love on Him?

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, Rabbi Yochannan,  saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from Yahweh, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from Heaven saying, "Behold, the Tabernacle of Yahweh is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. Yahweh Himself will be with them and be their Elohim.And Yahweh will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Aleph and the Tauv, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his Elohim and he shall be My son…And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

We the Overcomers:

·         will have eternal glory, honor, immortality, peace

·         have our marriages absorbed into the marriage of the Lamb

·         can't die

·         will have a glorious, imperishable bodies like the one Messiah YahShua resurrected in and ascended into Heaven with

·         will have the right to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the New Jerusalem of Yahweh and to go through the gates into the city

·         will get a Crown of Life; hidden manna; have authority

·         will get a white stone with a new name written upon it

·         will get the morning star

·         walk with King Messiah YahShua dressed in white

·         will be made a pillar in the Temple of Yahweh, never again to leave it

·         will have Yahweh's name written on us, the name of King Messiah YahShua’s Elohim, the name New Jerusalem and King Messiah YahShua’s new name

·         will have the right to sit with King Messiah YahShua on His throne; reign for ever and ever

·         all tears and pain and bad memories will be wiped away

·         gladness and joy will overtake them; sorrow and sighing will flee away

·         will experience no more night, devil, curse, sickness or criminals

·         will see Yahweh's face and be served by King Messiah YahShua

·         will ride on white horses and be dressed in fine linen, white and clean

·         will not be hurt at all by the second death

·         will never have our names blotted from the Book of Life

·         will be acknowledged by King Messiah YahShua before Yahweh and the angels

(Rev. 2:7,10,11,17; 2:26-28; 3:4,5; 3:12,21; 22:4,5,14,15; 21:4; 19:14; Rom. 2:7-10; Lk. 12:37; 20:35,36; 2 Tim. 2:10; Phil. 3:21 cf. Lk. 24:39; 1 Cor. 15:54; Isa. 35:10)